The king is no longer alive. May he live long?
The phrase is dramatic and metaphorical in many ways, but the sad news that Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay-court player in history for men’s tennis, will not be competing at Roland-Garros this year has shocked the tennis world and made room for a unique, new name to raise the La Coupe des Mousquetaires in 2023.
What the 14-time winner and current champion said on Thursday afternoon at a press conference at his Academy in Mallorca is really important in a lot of ways.
While some anticipated it, others were merely hoping the 22-time major winner would find a way to return to Court Philippe Chatrier. The 36-year-old hasn’t succeeded in his bid to be ready to play in the French capital in time, and the latest information has just sparked further doubts.
Is this essentially the end for the former world champion? Will he ever again play on the clay of Paris? Now that the King of Clay has relinquished his throne and will not be in his Kingdom for the first time since 2004, what does this mean for the all-time Grand Slam race and who stands to gain from it at Roland-Garros this year?
In an attempt to ascertain the response, Paul Hassall went to the Foro Italico grounds and made contact with Spain.
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Thursday’s ominous collage of grey clouds above the Foro Italico was a metaphor for the current state of affairs in Rome, both on and off the court.
With so many people severely impacted by the floods in Emilia-Romagna, there is a noticeable melancholy evident away from sports. Prior to every planned tournament play, there was a minute of silence to respect the memory of those who have tragically lost their lives and to demonstrate solidarity.
Regarding tennis, there was also a gloomy tone as commentators, supporters, and players who were still in their individual Rome draws responded to the announcement that Rafael Nadal will not be competing in the Roland-Garros competition, which has been associated with him for the last 20 years.
The concluding stages of Daniil Medvedev’s decisive victory over German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the opening set provided the necessary validation inside Court Centrale. The Russian was unstoppable, but the press box was packed with reporters who were riveted to their phones, following live feeds of Rafael Nadal declaring he was be withdrawing from his preferred Grand Slam competition.
Despite Rafa’s absence, there was a comparable attention on activities happening in other Balearic islands around the grounds, and it was easy to spot supporters of the 10-time champion who were obviously very attached to him.
Fabio Pierfederici, a resident of Rome, has frequently attended the Foro Italico over the years and has seen Nadal win.
As he watched Fabio Fognini and his son Carlo, a keen tennis player and enthusiast who has been participating in an U12 event on the premises, rehearse on Court Pietrangeli, he learned of the news.
Here, everyone adores Rafa, according to Pierfederici Sr.
Not only will he not be playing at Roland-Garros, but it has also been a great disappointment not to see him play in Rome this year. Over the years here, I have seen him lift the prize numerous times. We will all have to get used to it, yet it is strange without him.These days, tennis is really physically demanding. Rafa has endured a great deal throughout the years, and his body needs rest.
Being a lifelong admirer of Rafael Nadal, Carlo even fashioned his left-handed forehand after the Spanish player. “I am too young to remember a time before Nadal,” he continued. I have always enjoyed watching him triumph in Roland-Garros and Rome.The news is disheartening, and all we can do is hope that he can play through the entire 2024 season to send off in grand fashion. It has been a year since someone else won both competitions. It’s peculiar and thrilling all at once.
While there was undoubtedly sadness in Spain as well, there was still hope that Carlos Alcaraz would be able to carry on waving the national flag and win his first French Open and second major championship.
Reporter Ana Valeria Reyes, who is based in Valencia and contributes to Hispanic Sports, stated: “Paris and Nadal are like one.” It is delicate and challenging to accept his loss. He has put Roland-Garros ahead of all other competitions on the schedule for years, and it is amazing and wonderful that he has been able to win it despite injuries.While Paris’s clay will mourn the passing of its hero, Djokovic is well-positioned to become the greatest Grand Slam victor ever. If the younger generation permits it, that is. The youth have a chance to leave a lasting impression, as the Serbian has not thrived in the clay swing.Alcaraz is the world’s #1 player going into his first Grand Slam.
French commentators were equally appalled, and writer Quentin Moynet of L’Equipe took a break from watching the action to share his thoughts with us about this tale about Rafael Nadal.
During a conversation in the Rome Open press room, he stated, “It may sound extreme, but I think you could argue Rafael is more important than the French Open in a way.”
“It is rare to see monuments of athletes outside of stadiums while they are still competing in any sport. That is a true testament to his influence on tennis in our nation and on sports in general.It’s odd because, in my opinion, the French public did not particularly appreciate him during his early years of victory. Even Roger Federer couldn’t stop him from being too excellent on Chatrier; in France, we occasionally enjoy an underdog.However, that admiration and gratitude have increased with time. One year in particular, I remember him crying after winning another trophy and realising that he had finally, truly won over the French audience.
We are all afraid that this is the end now. He hopes to make a comeback and perform once more in 2024, and I hope he can so he can say goodbye in style.It wouldn’t be a first-round loss either, knowing Rafael. If he is healthy in 2024, you wouldn’t bet against him, but the tournament this year will definitely be different without him.
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